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Social Cohesion

Social cohesion is the bonds that hold society together, usually through common values, beliefs and behaviors.It can be seen through cooperation by different community groups especially when working toward something that benefits the community at large.On the individual level it is expressed in how much an individual feels his behavior/work can influence the neighborhood/community around him as well as being recognized and appreciated for his work.

This sense of cohesion can come from participating in neighborhood groups, churches, running for political office, registering to vote and voting or being a volunteer. It means an individual can take their concerns to a body and know that they'll be listened to and respected. It creates protective factors for children as their families are more connected with public schools.

Two groups that are experiencing success organizing their neighborhoods include the Highlands Neighborhood Association and the South Kelso Neighborhood Association. Taking the concerns and needs of their neighbors, they’re able to organize activities and projects to meet those needs and support the individual family. In South Kelso the work of the Community Health Advocates is providing a different support for the neighborhood by taking neighborhood concerns on marijuana use by youth and immigration issues and connecting these families to support resources.

When we look at neighborhoods in Cowlitz County there are issues of concern. County residents also face higher levels of domestic violence and child abuse and neglect than the State of Washington average. Successful programs like the Emergency Sporting Shelter provide both resident counseling as well as support the battered family. The cycle of violence, however, strains community resources, law enforcement and the courts, and the health and well-being of the community.

Participation in the community through voting provides an interesting paradox.On average, Cowlitz County does a better job than other communities in registering people to vote.On the other hand, Cowlitz County has one of the lowest rates, in the state, of those registered voters who actually vote.

Call to Action - Personal:

Join a parent/school activity

Volunteer

Support efforts for social justice and health equity

Discourage discrimination at all levels

Support Love INC

Participate and attend local cultural and community events

Reach out to neighbors to reduce isolation

Register to vote and vote

Call to Action - Community:

Offer best practices parent education programs

Build neighborhood coalitions to address problem solving and safety

Encourage healthy lifestyles Support Block Watch programs throughout the county

Ensure community activities are inclusive and accessible

Celebrate diversity

Call to Action - Policy Makers:

Reduce homelessness with expansion of public/private housing

Fund suicide prevention programs

Fund parenting skills programs to increase bonding and school readiness

Report Data

In recent years the method of measuring the crime rate has changed. This makes it difficult to compare with previous years. However in conversation with local chiefs of police it is very clear they are seeing a downward trend in most rates of crime. Goal: ≤ state rate

Falls can be a major contributor to death, especially for the elderly. Many falls could be prevented with the addition of safety features in the home such as ramps and handrails. This is an opportunity for volunteers and community services to have a positive impact on the well-being of the elderly...

For many years Cowlitz County’s rate of domestic violence offenses has been higher than the rate for the state. Local advocates look to the stresses arising from the current economy, mental health, or drug and alcohol problems for the most recent increase. This however, cannot justify the level of...

The race and ethnic population of Cowlitz County is primarily Caucasian but the Hispanic population is the fastest-growing. The level of diversity in the County is comparable to other rural counties on the Olympic Peninsula and Southwest Washington.

The population of Cowlitz County is growing slower than the balance of state. It’s noteworthy of the loss of population between 20 and 34 years of age. Also there are an increasing number of people living beyond 65 years. It’s a loss of resource for the community and increase community support...

Arrests for drug and alcohol violations is a symptom of the problem facing Cowlitz County and other communities. Again, this is not a victimless crime and recovery is hard and expensive. Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to a shorter life expectancy. Goal: ≤ state rate

It’s important to monitor arrests and crime in a community because the impact is felt in multiple ways. Both the victim and the offender’s family end up suffering, often needing community support. Goal: ≤ state rate

Success Stories

With a goal of connecting veterans with resources, the Cowlitz County Veterans Service Center opened early this year in Longview. The Center provides and promotes a safe, confidential environment and a friendly ear for U.S. Veterans and their families. The Center assists clients by helping them build positive relationships and overcome barriers they face as they reintegrate to community living. With a “Veterans Helping Veterans” theme, the nonprofit helps connect veterans with resources they need including: employment, education, health and wellness, mental and behavioral health, housing, basic needs and benefits applications.

Addressing issues of inclusion, bullying, and building connections and understanding between teens and their peers is the focus of United for Change, a program started at Mark Morris High School by Travis Ruhter, Washington State’s Leadership Teacher of the Year in 2013. The program has since expanded to high schools throughout the county. The program is comprised of three components: Make the Change, a one day seminar; Be the Change, a three day weekend retreat; and Live the Change, an ongoing follow up and mentoring program. Goals of the program include: addressing personal identity, developing leadership and organizational skills, developing empathy and sensitivity to others, developing skills to avoid and stop bullying, identifying areas of need for teens in the community, and learning how to impact other positively. According to Ruhter, all aspects of the program focus on creating relationships, mentoring and teaching students to take charge of their future and surroundings and believing that each person can make a difference in their community and in the life of others.

Since it formation in 2013, the South Kelso Neighborhood Association (SKNA) has taken an active role in helping to beautify Kelso. The group reached an agreement with the City of Kelso earlier this year, allowing SKNA to use the city’s old finance building for meetings and storage rent-free. It is raising money to maintain the building and pay utilities. To date, SKNA members have painted over the graffiti on 30 alley walls, and partnered with AmeriCorps to host an alley clean-up day. The group is planting flowers and shrubs under the Allen Street Bridge, and plans to create a neighborhood watch group and start a neighborhood garden.

The updated and remodeled Highlands Community Center opened to the public late last year. Nearly $100,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds paid for the renovations that included adding ADA-accessible ramps and bathrooms, new floors, plumbing, wiring, and paint. The Highlands Neighborhood Association purchased the 1200 sq.ft. home in 2013, moved in for awhile, and then closed it for several months so it could be revamped. More improvements are planned for the future including a new roof and fixing up the garage which is located on an adjacent lot. The Highlands Community Center serves as a free library complete with computers, hosts an after-school program and serves as a gathering place for meetings, community groups and classes.

With a goal of preventing mentally troubled offenders from getting into more serious trouble by getting them in contact with mental health providers, Cowlitz County commissioners approved the hiring of a mental health court coordinator last year. The coordinator works with clients with mental disorders who face misdemeanor charges and whose cases are handled through District Court. Mental Health Court is a voluntary 24-month program that promotes both treatment and public safety. Eligible participants receive intensive case management that includes mental health and chemical dependency treatment, finding suitable housing and acquiring general medical care. Upon graduation, participants will have their charges reduced or dismissed. The program helps participants improve their sense of self worth, connect with community resources, find a lasting sense of contentedness and feel accountable to their community. Impact on the community comes in the form of reduced repeat criminal offenders, improved public safety, increased communication between the justice system and wellness agencies, better allocated community resources and a more effective alternative to traditional prosecution and incarceration of non-violent offenders.